Gun – Walther PPS 9mm
The Walther PPS in a single stack, striker fired, polymer framed semi-automatic pistol. It comes chambered in either 9mm or 40 S&W. Mine is in 9mm. Why the Walther versus the other single stack 9mms out there? First and foremost the Walther offered a wider variety of options than the Glock, Springfield, and Smith and Wesson for carry. I can change the grip size in both width and length. The Walther has three different options for magazines for the 9mm variant, the 6 round flush fitting, the 7 round with pinky extension and the 8 round that offers a full grip. The different size magazines change the way the weapon conceals and the way it shoots.
I also love the weapon’s width, it’s thin, super thin throughout the slide and frame, making it easy to conceal. The weapon is also easy to handle when shooting and features full three dot sights for easy aiming. The last feature I love is the magazine release. It’s a paddle style placed behind the trigger guard, easy to reach with both the thumb and the trigger fingers, and completely ambidextrous.
Knife – Case Knife
I like classics, and the Case Knife is a family tradition. This is a simple two-blade knife with a standard 3-inch blade. I see my knife as a tool, not as a weapon. Case knives have a simple quality to them, but an absolutely amazing warranty. My dad has used his for everything under the sun, and used it to the point the blade becomes half its width. He sends it back to Case and they throw two new blades on it without question and send it back. I’ve used my Case knife to dress deer, hogs, rabbit, to open boxes, bags, cut cables, fabrics, and nearly everything else I’ve ever come across. It just works, and that’s all I need it to do.
Flashlight – Smith and Wesson Defensive Pen
So this isn’t actually a pen, it just looks like one. It’s a small, easy to carry flashlight that clips onto my pocket. This thing has been tossed around, dropped in water, and gone around the country with me. It works just as good today as it did two years ago. It’s cheap, but I tend to lose expensive flashlights and didn’t want to lose another Streamlight. It’s also nice and pointy in case I ever need it as a defensive weapon, and I can’t carry my gun or knife due to metal detectors and ridiculous laws.
Wallet – Marvel Comics Bifold
A gift from my 4-year-old son for my birthday. Not much else to say except Marvel DC.
Holsters – Phalanx Defense Stealth Operator Compact and Desantis Cargo pocket holster
Two holsters that fit one gun. The first holster by Phalanx defense has a Mall ninja name but is an excellent OWB holster. It’s passive retention, Kydex and incredibly comfortable. It conceals easily and is a steal at around 30 bucks. This is my off work holster.
When I am at work I carry the Desantis Cargo pocket holster. Work attire consists of cargo pants and a tucked in button down shirt. Not very conducive to concealed carry. This cargo pocket holsters rides comfortably all day and doesn’t shift or move. It’s much faster than a tuckable holster and rides like a thigh rig.
Extras– These items might not make it to my pockets, but are at least always in the vehicle
Cell Phone Battery – Yeah it’s pink, the pink ones were on sale and every dollar I save can go to ammo. We live in a modern world and if I can have an auxiliary method of keeping my phone alive when the chips are down I’m gonna take it.
CAT Tourniquet – I keep an IFAK in the car, but occasionally throw the tourniquet in my pocket. I’ve carried this more and more as of late and it will probably become a permanent fixture very soon.
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine gunner who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for 5 years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record setting 11 months at sea. He’s trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines and the Afghan National Army. He serves as an NRA certified pistol instructor and teaches concealed carry classes.
